In 1998 the Open Design Alliance (ODA), then the OpenDWG Alliance, was formed as an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to making the DWG file format an open standard for CAD software much like the DXF format. It was renamed the Open Design Alliance in 2002.
Posts Tagged ‘Autodesk’
The Care, Feeding and Openness of the DWG Format
Thursday, August 24th, 2017HP Announces New HP Z VR Backpack and Mars Home Planet for Virtual Reality
Thursday, August 3rd, 2017In a webinar prior to announcement this Tuesday, HP executives talked about the exciting new approach and commercial solutions for virtual reality (VR). As part of this strategy, the company has unveiled what appears to be the first professional wearable VR PC – the new HP Z VR Backpack. Crafted to bring the full potential of VR to-life, it is designed to be a secure and manageable wearable VR PC.
Blueprint 2025 Leadership Forum Aims to Reframe Discussion of Infrastructure
Thursday, July 27th, 2017Senior industry strategist, Civil Infrastructure of Autodesk, Terry Bennett, spoke to AECCafe Voice this past week about the Blueprint 2025 Leadership Forum held in Washington D. C., earlier this year.
From Manufacturing to Architecture and Back: The Journey of Generative Design
Thursday, July 6th, 2017Generative Design has been around for several years. It came on the scene as the product “Generative Components (GC)” from Bentley Systems, used in the group formed for the express purpose of exploring architectural design “what if” with advanced associative and parametric tools, Smart Geometry, that allows users to go far beyond the limitations of traditional CAD software.
Konstru to Offer Interoperability Platform to Automate Exchange of BIM Data
Wednesday, June 21st, 2017An interesting new product, Konstru, is a central interoperability platform that automates the exchange of BIM data between analysis & modeling software tools, due for launch in July. Konstru supports all your favorite and most popular design and analysis tools and allows them to communicate with one another.
GeoSLAM Announces ZEB-REVO “Walk and Scan” Mobile Mapping System Upgrade for Indoor Mapping
Wednesday, June 7th, 2017Mark Reid, Vice President of Product Management at GeoSLAM Ltd talked about their recent announcement of the real-time upgrade option for the ZEB-REVO, their handheld mobile mapping system. Demonstrated for the first time at SPAR 3D 2017 in Houston, the optional upgrade includes a revised datalogger capable of undertaking SLAM registration in real-time. It has its own integrated Wi-Fi, with results that can be displayed live, as they are captured, on any web browser enabled device including tablets and smartphones.
AECCafe Voice: What are some indoor map applications for ZEB-REVO?
The ZEB-REVO handheld mobile mapping device employs a highly robust 3D Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping (SLAM) algorithm, which enables the rapid creation of a 3-dimensional model of any space.
Since it does not require a GPS signal, the ZEB-REVO is at its best in complex, enclosed, multi-level environments, without compromising on the accuracy of data collection.
ZEB-REVOs are regularly used by surveyors and non-experts alike in the construction and development sector, whether for the recording of heritage buildings in need of restoration, generating footprints of vast structures, real estate valuations or scan-to-BIM.
As the ZEB-REVO is non-invasive and easy to use (requiring minimal training for non-expert users), the device has also been lauded as an ideal scanning product for both dangerous and sensitive environments. This includes time-limited projects, such as in a precarious building prior to renovation or demolition, or occupied environments, such as colleges, nursing homes and hospitals.
AECCafe Voice: Can you describe your ‘modular approach?’
Structures with unusual layouts or complex networks are not a problem for the ZEB-REVO, thanks to both the modular and compact nature of the product. Unlike heavy single-function trolley-based SLAM systems, the lightweight, handheld device is ideal for adapting to difficult-to-access environments, whether that is down a narrow shaft while attached to a pulley system, or using a birds eye perspective when secured to a drone.
The ZEB-REVO can also be mounted to cars, boats, UAVs and other small-scale piloted and autonomous vehicles; making it ideal for surveying challenging indoor and outdoor multi-level environments. ZEB-CAM, which also is a modular add-on, can be quickly attached or detached depending upon the application and deployment method being used. This allows for an easy upgrade path that futureproofs the ZEB-REVO against the latest developments.
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Using SEPS2BIM for Facilities Management in Healthcare Projects
Wednesday, May 31st, 2017Kimon Onuma has been hosting webinars on various aspects of SEPS2BIM, the Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS) is a standalone Government off the Shelf (GOTS) web based application and database. The recent webinar focused on how architects could tap into owners’ data, and gather more information from them for the BIM process.
SEPS2BIM authors baseline Programs for Design (PFD) and Project Room Contents (PRC) for Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Health Agency healthcare projects.
Leica’s BLK360 3D Scanner and Software Packs a Big Punch in a Little Body
Thursday, May 11th, 2017Leica introduced its BLK360 3D scanner at Autodesk University 2016, which was met with great awe when attendees saw how small it is. It is 6.5 inches tall and four inches in diameter, weighing 2.2 lbs., and has one single button on its housing, giving the impression of a Star Trek device.
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2018 Released
Thursday, March 23rd, 2017AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018 have been released, Autodesk’s flagship products for the AEC industry.
Autodesk Revit Live Brings Designs to Life
Thursday, March 2nd, 2017Autodesk Revit Live (formerly Autodesk LIVE), a new interactive cloud-based visualization service which offers Revit AEC users the ability to transform their designs into fully-interactive 3D models, was launched in July 2016. The service draws viewers into the story of an architectural design much like a video game.